"now we are six" -- A.A. Milne

“When I was one,
I had just begun.
When I was two,
I was nearly new.
When I was three,
I was hardly me.
When I was four,
I was not much more.
When I was five,
I was just alive.
But now I am six,
I'm as clever as clever.
So I think I'll stay sixnow forever and ever."

Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne

Now you are six!  We celebrated your sixth with dear friends at a little park for kids.  It is a little park I remember going to when I was your age {Yes, vintage nostalgia seems to be the theme of the kid parties this year}.  You particularly loved riding rides with all your friends.  We enjoyed watching your new confidence emerge as you explored with sweet souls nearby.  No longer do you always need us close-by.  We are delighted to see your little spirit grow brave.

As the words of A.A. Milne so accurately state, "you are six and as clever as can be!"
Enjoy this wonderful year!

 "There is something you must always remember: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."  -- A.A. Milne

finally!

It is here!
Finally, after all the waiting and all the other birthday celebrations this past month, your day is here!

Like a rite of passage, your hair was finally long enough for pigtails behind the ears.  On your birthday this year, you chose to wear your hair back in a ponytail.  You were so proud of your longer locks that we could now pull away from your face.

We measured you on the wall and marked a new spot for this year's growth.

You spoke to numerous family members on the phone who called to wish you a wonderful day.  You read most of the cards you received in the mail all by yourself.  

You ate donuts on your birthday morning and shared some with your class later that day.

You were delighted to receive your very own rolling "art cart" for all your supplies.

 But most of all, you were overjoyed your day finally came!

1. What do you want to be when you grow up?

i want to be a doctor...i mean a mother...a mother too

2. What is your favorite thing to do inside?

play PBS Kids on your computer

3. What is your favorite thing to do outside?

play...i mean, play on the swing

4.  What is your favorite food?

french fries and chicken

5.  Where is your favorite place to eat?

burger fries

6. What is your favorite color?

purple

7. Where do you want to go someday?

that place up on the mountain...you know, that steakouse where daddy goes for work

8. What is your favorite thing to do at school?
make books at free choice centers time
9. What is your favorite book?
Curious George
10. Why do you like Curious George?
because he is always very curious
11. What is the best way to celebrate a birthday?
getting to play with your friends a lot and getting to have birthday cake
12. What do you want to do this year before your next birthday?
go to The Oasis
13. What is your hair color?
brown
14. What was the best thing about your birthday this year?
going to celebrate with the family
15. How tall are you?
what do I say?  50 inches long

a little time away

I recently had time to do a little of this.
24 hours to be exact.  

24 hours sans our little ones.  

24 hours to unwind from our busy lives, explore, discover a new place, eat slowly, watch the fire, look out a window and drink coffee while it is still hot.

It is the little luxuries that make all the difference sometimes.

Although we missed our brood, the little time away was just what we needed.

it was time

After years of prancing around this house with a jingle in her head and an itch to move in every step she takes, we decided it was time for ballet.  

I had hesitated to get her involved in a program for fear of dreadful suggestive dance styles being taught to my little one.  When I heard about a little program only minutes away from our house that taught only technical ballet and tap, I was sold.  Mind you, we found out there were still available spots the evening before the spring semester began. 

We dashed around the morning of the class and successfully found her little leotard, tights and shoes.  She was incredibly happy to finally be in class like Angelina Ballerina.

I am delighted to have found a little spot for her dancing spirit to grow.

five

This month, you (like all children) fell in love with the lights on the Christmas tree.  We found you laying under the branches looking up at the twinkling lights above.  You would roll from the middle of the room to the tree to get close.  I am dreading the day we take down the tree and you no longer have your little light display.

We finally moved you to your own room after too much hemming and hawing.  The move to your crib has been good with more sleep for everyone.  Only Momma was a bit nostalgic about the move.  Something about the move to the crib and your own room signals growth and time passing too quick.  

You get so excited when I remove your socks for bathtime--this means you can finally play with your bare-feet.  You grasp for them and giggle...if only it was summer and socks weren't required to keep your little tootsies warm.

After moving to your crib, we began playing a continuous white noise CD during naptimes and at night.  It has been wonderful and I contribute it to many nights of good sleep (all night!).  We use this one after hearing good reviews about it.  We love all of the Happiest Baby tools for calming babies.

With the colder weather, we have made use of all the little hats we have to keep you warm on outings. We particularly love hand-knit hats from Grandma and our good friend (who also sells her lovely creations).  There is something so special about hand-knit things.  I love knowing someone was thinking about my baby as they were knitting.  That love surrounds you each time you wear a warm cozy hat on your head!

 

We are amazed at your calm and easy-going demeanor.  As long as your sisters are around you are constantly entertained.  We love you, little red.  

rolls of fat

I love the lush folds and dimples of fat on these baby legs!

Chubbiness always looks good on a baby!

little letters

Quite often, little letters are folded and stuffed into envelopes and left for me on the counter-top.  They usually say something like, "I love you, Mommy" or have little pictures of our family drawn on them.  

Tonight the little letter was different.  After spending the past few days inside with no agenda or schedule, my kids have had the chance to reacquaint themselves.  They have helped each other, played with new toys, fought and bickered.  From the looks of this letter, our time together was quite meaningful and special.  

The letter reads "Thank you for the baby Mommy."

At first I thought my girl was talking about a baby doll she got for Christmas but I was delightfully surprised when she said "no, I mean our new baby."  My heart lept up into my throat as those sweet words from her mouth shed joyful light upon our family. 

My cup runneth over indeed.